Former CEC OP Rawat drops a bomb: Demonetisation had no impact on the misuse of money in elections

2 months ago

Share Post

New Delhi, News24 Bureau, Dec 3: Former Chief Election Commissioner O P Rawat has come forward with a major statement on demonetisation and use of black money during elections which may put Modi government's key and 'controversial' decision under a scanner. Rawat on Monday said that there was no impact of demonetisation on the misuse of money in elections.

Former Chief Election Commissioner said, "After demonestisation it was thought that misuse of money during the election will be brought down. But it couldn't be proved on basis of the data of the seizures. Compared to previous elections, there were more seizures in the same states, " adding, " It seems political class and their financiers have no dearth of money. Money used in this manner is generally black money. As far as black money used in the election is concerned, there was no check on it."

OP Rawat retired as the Chief Election Commissioner last week, had said that his "only regret" as head of the poll panel is that the EC was unable to recommend to the law ministry a fresh "legal framework" in tune with the changing times vis-a-vis the use of money and social media.

Responding to a question on transparency in the funding of political parties, Rawat had said that it is "a long-term reform". "All political party meeting in August (this year) had recommended that there should be a ceiling on party expenditure and commensurately there should be transparency in funding. I think it will see the light of day in time to come. Almost all parties agreed to a cap on expenditure, he said.

These comments will certainly add fuel to the Opposition drive against the Modi government's demonetisation decision. Congress especially has been very critical of this decision of the government which they term as 'draconian'. Rawat has set the ball rolling for sure.